UNESCO Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

UNESCO has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, and global outreach.

Driven by a mission to build peace through education, science, and culture, UNESCO champions international cooperation and provides cross-nationally comparable statistics to inform policy and progress worldwide.

Leadership Roles at UNESCO

  • Chief Executive Officer - Vimla Devi
  • President, The For 2016 & 2018 ( Honorary Position) - Masako Worsnop
  • President Unesco Center For Peace York Chapter - Masidi Dione
  • President - Syafiq Sahari
  • President Club Des Jeunes - Desir Lamarre
  • President of Saint-Petersburgs Section CID - UNESCO - Aelita Kondratova
  • President, The Communication Management Club - GholamReza Kazemidinan
  • President - Jefferson Fagundes
  • Chief Information Officer - Taha Moustafa
  • Vimla Devi - Chief Executive Officer

    Vimla Devi, the Chief Executive Officer at UNESCO, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the organization. This leadership role involves guiding all departments to align with UNESCO's core mission of fostering peace and sustainable development through education, science, and culture. Devi ensures that the institute's statistical arm, the UIS, effectively collects and disseminates vital cross-national data. Overseeing global initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer drives collaboration with member states and international partners to advance shared objectives. By optimizing resource allocation and strategic planning, Vimla Devi directly impacts the organization's capacity to address global challenges and promote informed policymaking across its diverse fields of expertise.

    Masako Worsnop - President, The For 2016 & 2018 ( Honorary Position)

    Masako Worsnop, the President, The For 2016 & 2018 ( Honorary Position) at UNESCO, provides distinguished guidance and advisory support, particularly during the specified honorary periods. This role involves lending significant experience and perspective to shape strategic discussions and uphold the organization's foundational principles. Worsnop's honorary position contributes to reinforcing UNESCO's commitment to international cooperation in education, science, and culture. By offering insights derived from past leadership, the President, The For 2016 & 2018 (Honorary Position) helps maintain institutional memory and strategic continuity. Masako Worsnop's involvement underscores the enduring value placed on experienced leadership in advancing UNESCO's global mission.

    Masidi Dione - President Unesco Center For Peace York Chapter

    Masidi Dione, the President Unesco Center For Peace York Chapter at UNESCO, spearheads local initiatives aimed at promoting peace, education, and cultural understanding within the York region. This leadership position involves fostering community engagement and implementing UNESCO's global objectives at a grassroots level. Dione directs outreach programs designed to build bridges between diverse communities and encourage dialogue on critical global issues. By galvanizing local support, the President Unesco Center For Peace York Chapter ensures that UNESCO's mission resonates within the community. Masidi Dione's efforts are pivotal in translating international ideals into tangible local action, strengthening the organization's presence and impact.

    Syafiq Sahari - President

    Syafiq Sahari, the President at UNESCO, drives strategic initiatives and oversees key operational functions to advance the organization's global mandate. This leadership role focuses on enhancing international collaboration and ensuring the effective implementation of programs across education, science, and culture. Sahari directs efforts to promote sustainable development and foster peace through knowledge sharing and cross-cultural dialogue. By cultivating partnerships with member states and international bodies, the President ensures broad support for UNESCO's objectives. Syafiq Sahari's leadership is instrumental in navigating complex global challenges and reinforcing UNESCO's position as a vital force for positive change worldwide.

    Desir Lamarre - President Club Des Jeunes

    Desir Lamarre, the President Club Des Jeunes at UNESCO, champions youth engagement and leadership development within the organization's framework. This role focuses on empowering young individuals to contribute to UNESCO's mission of peace, education, and cultural preservation. Lamarre directs programs designed to foster dialogue, innovation, and active participation among youth globally. By creating platforms for young voices, the President Club Des Jeunes ensures that future generations are integral to addressing contemporary challenges. Desir Lamarre's leadership cultivates a dynamic environment where youth-led initiatives can flourish, driving forward UNESCO's long-term vision.

    Aelita Kondratova - President of Saint-Petersburgs Section CID - UNESCO

    Aelita Kondratova, the President of Saint-Petersburgs Section CID - UNESCO at UNESCO, leads regional efforts to promote cultural heritage and educational exchange within Saint Petersburg. This position involves coordinating local activities that align with UNESCO's broader objectives of fostering intercultural dialogue and preserving global diversity. Kondratova oversees initiatives that strengthen ties between cultural institutions and educational bodies in the region. By championing collaborative projects, the President of Saint-Petersburgs Section CID - UNESCO enhances the visibility and impact of UNESCO's work locally. Aelita Kondratova's dedication ensures that the organization's values are actively promoted and integrated within the Saint Petersburg community.
    Aelita Kondratova

    GholamReza Kazemidinan - President, The Communication Management Club

    GholamReza Kazemidinan, the President, The Communication Management Club at UNESCO, directs strategic communication efforts to amplify the organization's impact and reach. This role focuses on enhancing public understanding and engagement with UNESCO's mission in education, science, and culture. Kazemidinan oversees the development and execution of communication strategies that support global outreach and stakeholder relations. By ensuring clear and consistent messaging, the President, The Communication Management Club strengthens UNESCO's brand and its ability to foster international cooperation. GholamReza Kazemidinan's leadership is crucial in articulating the organization's value and advancing its objectives through effective communication.

    Jefferson Fagundes - President

    Jefferson Fagundes, the President at UNESCO, drives strategic leadership and operational oversight to advance the organization's global mission. This executive function focuses on enhancing international cooperation and ensuring the effective implementation of programs across education, science, and culture. Fagundes directs efforts to promote sustainable development and foster peace through knowledge sharing and cross-cultural dialogue. By cultivating partnerships with member states and international bodies, the President ensures broad support for UNESCO's objectives. Jefferson Fagundes' leadership is instrumental in navigating complex global challenges and reinforcing UNESCO's position as a vital force for positive change worldwide.

    Taha Moustafa - Chief Information Officer

    Taha Moustafa, the Chief Information Officer at UNESCO, architects and manages the organization's technological infrastructure and digital strategy. This critical function ensures the secure and efficient operation of all information systems, supporting UNESCO's global data collection and dissemination efforts. Moustafa oversees the development and implementation of innovative IT solutions that enhance accessibility to educational, scientific, and cultural statistics. By driving digital transformation, the Chief Information Officer enables seamless data exchange and analysis across international platforms. Taha Moustafa's leadership ensures that UNESCO remains at the forefront of technological advancement, safeguarding sensitive data and empowering stakeholders with reliable information for decision-making.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding UNESCO Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads UNESCO?
    UNESCO is led by Vimla Devi (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Masako Worsnop (President, The For 2016 & 2018 ( Honorary Position)) and Masidi Dione (President Unesco Center For Peace York Chapter).
    Who is part of UNESCO’s executive team?
    The executive team of UNESCO includes leaders such as Vimla Devi (Chief Executive Officer), Masako Worsnop (President, The For 2016 & 2018 ( Honorary Position)), Masidi Dione (President Unesco Center For Peace York Chapter) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does UNESCO have?
    UNESCO has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in UNESCO’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of UNESCO includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President, The For 2016 & 2018 ( Honorary Position), President Unesco Center For Peace York Chapter, President, President Club Des Jeunes.